Arthur Miller interviewed by Charlie Rose

Summary

In this thought-provoking discussion, the speaker reflects on the moral sensibility that defines the great playwrights like Tennessee Williams, Eugene O'Neill, and Shakespeare. They share a common drive to challenge societal norms and express deep anger about the world's injustices. The speaker laments the current state of theater, criticizing its commercialization and the loss of artistic risks. They suggest that the absence of critical, conflict-driven plays leaves society at a loss, and emphasizes the importance of the theater in addressing societal dilemmas and shaping public dialogue.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Great literary and theatrical figures share a fierce moral sensibility and refuse to reconcile with the world’s injustices.
• 🔥 These great artists are driven by anger at the state of the world, unlike lesser talents who have made peace with it.
• 📚 Icons mentioned include Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, Chekhov, and Shakespeare, highlighting the timeless nature of exceptional artistry.
• 🤔 The existence of new great talents today is uncertain, but the possibility remains that someone is creating a masterpiece at this moment.
• 💸 Economic barriers, like high ticket prices, restrict access to serious theater for students, intellectuals, and general audiences.
• 🏛️ Commercialized theater discourages risk-taking, making it difficult to address profound societal dilemmas.
• 💡 Theater has the potential to help society grapple with moral and social conflicts, enriching public understanding and dialogue.
• 📉 The audience for thought-provoking theater has diminished, which in turn impacts the incentive for artists to take creative risks.
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• 🇬🇧 Historical examples, like the British National Theater, show that public or institutional support can sustain non-commercial, risk-taking theater.
• 🕰️ The speaker emphasizes that society suffers when theater does not confront the great conflicts and moral questions of the time.

Q & A

What do the great playwrights mentioned in the script (Tennessee Williams, Eugene O'Neill, etc.) share in common?

The great playwrights mentioned in the script share a fierce moral sensibility, an unquenchable drive, and an anger at the way the world is. They are characterized by an inability to make peace with societal issues, unlike smaller playwrights who have made peace with the world.

What is the 'burning anger' the playwrights feel directed towards?

The burning anger these playwrights feel is directed towards the state of the world, particularly societal issues that they feel are unjust or damaging. Their works reflect their struggle to reconcile with these problems.

Why does the speaker suggest that the big playwrights 'can't make any peace'?

The speaker suggests that the big playwrights 'can't make any peace' because they are deeply dissatisfied with the world as it is. Their works stem from their inability to accept or compromise on the moral and social issues they address, unlike others who have reconciled with the world's imperfections.

How has the theater environment changed, according to the script?

The theater environment has changed because ticket prices have become prohibitively expensive, making it difficult for many people, especially intellectuals or educators, to attend. This has led to a dwindling audience for works that tackle major societal issues, and a loss of the kind of powerful, risk-taking art that once defined the theater.

What impact does the speaker believe the commercialization of theater has had on its ability to take risks?

The commercialization of theater has limited its ability to take risks because the costs are so high. With a focus on profitability, there is less room for the kind of bold, challenging work that tackles difficult societal issues, making it harder for the theater to remain a forum for great moral and social debates.

What does the speaker think about the role of theater in understanding societal dilemmas?

The speaker believes that if theater were grappling with the great conflicts of our time, and if such discussions were part of the public dialogue, society would be better off. Theater could serve as a critical space for understanding and confronting the major issues and dilemmas we face as a nation.

How does the speaker compare the British National Theater to the situation in the United States?

The speaker compares the British National Theater, which was established in the 1950s, to the situation in the U.S., arguing that without such a national institution, the U.S. has ended up with a purely commercialized theater. This commercial focus has made it impossible for theater to take the kind of risks that would allow it to address the great issues of our time.

What role does the speaker believe theater should play in society?

The speaker believes that theater should be a platform for addressing the great moral and social conflicts of our time. It should help the public understand who we are as a society and the dilemmas we face, providing a space for reflection and challenging the status quo.

Why does the speaker feel that the audience for theater has become 'minimal'?

The speaker feels that the audience for theater has become minimal because the cost of attending performances has become too high. This pricing barrier excludes many potential viewers, especially intellectuals and educators, who may not be able to afford the ticket prices and related expenses.

What does the speaker mean by 'the little ones have made a peace with it'?

By 'the little ones have made a peace with it,' the speaker refers to smaller playwrights or creators who have accepted the world as it is. Unlike the 'big ones,' they are not driven by a desire to change the world or confront its injustices, but rather have reconciled with the status quo.